A squad of 55 young athletes raced for Team Islington on Hampstead Heath – covering distances ranging from 1.4km to 4.5km [Photos: The London Youth Games]

THE 50th edition of the London Youth Games is up and running after more than 1,500 youngsters from across the capital flocked to Hampstead Heath on Saturday.

As is tradition, the new season of what is considered to be the largest annual youth multi-sport event in Europe got underway with the cross-country.

Athletes from 31 London boroughs donned their team’s colours to take part in the big race day, which was held at Parliament Hill Fields in Camden.

There were a total of eight races on the day, with boys and girls each taking part in four different age groups ranging from Under-12s to Under-18s.

In the overall borough rankings, Islington finished 22nd in the girls’ event and 23rd in the boys’ category out of 31 London boroughs

In the mix at what has been crowned the “Golden Games” was a squad of 55 young runners from Islington.

The borough’s standout performer was Charlotte Knipe, who raced around the girls’ Under-14s course, which was staged over 2km, in seven minutes, 40 seconds to take ninth place out of a field of 223 finishers.

Anna Bah also ran well in the same age category to take 41st place with her time of 8:18.

Islington put in a strong showing in the girls’ Under-16s race, too, where they had two runners inside the top 50 out of 198 finishers.

Also held over 2km, Edith Deakin clocked a time of 8:02 to earn 38th position, while Emila MacFarlane (8:08) finished just six seconds behind her teammate to take 46th place.

The cross-country is one of London Youth Games’ most iconic and well-supported events, and has helped launch the careers of some of Team GB’s most successful athletes over the years, including the likes of four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, double Olympic medallist Sam Reardon, and two-time Olympic and Commonwealth Gold medallist Alex Yee.

They’re up and running in the Under-16s boys’ race at Parliament Hill Fields

However, it was the young athletes of today who enjoyed their moment in the spotlight on Saturday.

In the overall rankings, Islington’s girls took 22nd place and the boys finished 23rd out of 31 boroughs.

Reflecting on the competition, team manager Megan Mcardle said: “The London Youth Games was such a fantastic experience, with an amazing atmosphere throughout the day.

“It was brilliant to see so many young runners taking part, especially with so many familiar faces returning to represent the borough once again.

“Everyone was so friendly and supportive, creating such a positive environment.

“Seeing the excitement, enthusiasm and smiles on the kids’ faces as they got ready to race was truly special. It was a great day filled with energy, encouragement and team spirit.”